Southampton moved a step closer to returning to the Premier League with a 3-1 home win over West Bromwich Albion in the second leg of their Championship playoff semi-final on Friday to reach the final with the same aggregate score.
Russell Martin's side will face Leeds United, who beat Norwich City 4-0 on Thursday, at Wembley on May 26 for a place in the top flight.
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Having dominated the first half, Southampton took the lead four minutes after the break when Will Smallbone hit the post following a counter-attack.
“What a victory. It was a difficult game, West Brom are a difficult team,” Smallbone told Sky Sports.
“Coach put a lot of faith in me this year and I can't speak highly enough of what he's done for me and my career. It's been my dream to be here playing for as long as I can remember and to do well. Now it's unbelievable.”
The championship's second top scorer, Adam Armstrong, extended the lead with a low shot in the 78th minute before sealing the rout from the penalty spot four minutes from time.
“It's incredible and it's something we've been working on all year, getting back to the Premier League. We were gutted we didn't make it into the top two, but if we can get promoted like this, what a way it will be!” “Armstrong said.
Cedric Kipre got consolation for West Brom with a last-gasp header.
Leicester City and Ipswich Town won automatic promotion to the Premier League after finishing as winners and runners-up of the Championship.
